Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Researchers have yet to discover a definite reason that a woman develops breast cancer, however, there are several risk factors for breast cancer that have been linked to the development of breast cancer. Here are the main ones:

1. Gender Being a woman automatically puts you at higher risk to develop breast cancer. Although men can develop breast cancer, the occurrence is very low.
2. Age As a woman's age increases, the odds of her to develop breast cancer also increase. Although breast cancer does not always play by the rules, most breast cancers occur after menopause.
3. Race Breast cancer is more common in white women than in Latin, Asian or African-American women.
4. Personal History Once a woman has had breast cancer, her chances of developing it again are stronger.
5. Family History Breast cancer in a first-degree relative such as a mother, sister or daughter increases a woman's chances of developing breast cancer herself. Click here to learn more about Genetically inherited breast cancer.
6. Reproduction History Having children after the age of 30 or not having children at all increases a woman's odds of developing breast cancer. The older a woman is when she has her first child, the more at risk she is.
7. Menarche and Menopause Because estrogen levels can affect the occurrence of breast cancer, the woman who had their first period before age 12 and women who reach menopause after age 55 have a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer.
8. Breast Composition Dense breast tissue is usually due to the number of ducts and lobules. The denser the breast tissue the higher the woman's chances of developing breast cancer. Click here to learn more about special imaging considerations for women with dense breast tissue.
9. Hormone usage Women taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy are classified as having a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer.

Other Contributors to Breast Cancer:

• Inactive Lifestyle
• Alcohol Use
• Previous Radiation Exposure
• Being Overweight

Just because you have these risk factors....

Just because you may have one or all of these risk factors does not mean that you will eventually have breast cancer. However, it DOES mean that you should discuss this information about your personal history with your doctor. He or she will help you to make a plan to keep you on the offense of this disease. 

How to Reduce YOUR Risk for Breast Cancer?

Several contributors that may increase your chances of developing breast cancer may be beyond your control and may be unchangeable (ie. gender, race, family history). However, there are several things you must know if you are interested in reducing your chances of developing breast cancer.